"Don't be mean, keep the Reef clean!"
That's the powerful, rallying cry from some of the students who just wrapped up the Reef Guardian Schools 2025 Global Eco Challenge, which inspires students to take positive action for the Great Barrier Reef and other coral ecosystems worldwide.
From designing protected species merchandise to creating coastal ecosystem micro museums and producing news reels about water quality, students were encouraged to demonstrate their stewardship through projects that merged across subjects like science, English, geography, and visual arts.
This year's challenge achieved record success with 72 entries received from a combined 165 Queensland primary school and high school students, as well as some from across the globe!
Schools spanning Innisfail, Townsville, Bundaberg, Mackay, Emerald, and Brisbane participated, while submissions from as far away as India prove Reef stewardship is making waves on a global scale.
The Reef Guardian Schools initiative is a worldwide education program that brings the Reef to students, teaching them about its unique values.
Since 2003 more than 350,000 Reef Guardian students have undertaken actions that contribute to Reef protection and resilience.
Through the program, students are empowered to care, learn, act, share and become environmental stewards.
Liz Hickman, Assistant Director - Reef Education at the Reef Authority, said the competition for this year's challenge was strong.
"We are incredibly proud of every single student who participated in the 2025 Eco Challenge," Ms Hickman said.
"Seeing their passion and ingenuity come to life through these challenges is a powerful reminder that safeguarding the Reef for future generations is truly a global effort.
"Their submissions are not just school projects; they are powerful acts of stewardship."
The eight marine-themed challenges aligned with the UN Sustainability Goals and the Australian Curriculum, each thoughtfully designed to include diverse learners, guided by Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Framework.
See the full list of inspiring entries here .
If your school is ready to bring the Reef into the classroom and join our global education program, find out more about becoming a Reef Guardian School here .
